plate no. 2165

Liberation

Ben Shahn, 1945

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresbuildingskyrubbleladderdestruction

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting dynamic figures and creating a sense of depth and perspective through color and texture. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushwork and unconventional composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, building, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, ground, and building, using thin washes.
step 03
Add details to the building, including windows, doors, and textures, using a variety of brushstrokes.
step 04
Paint the figures, paying attention to their poses and the way light and shadow fall on their forms.
step 05
Create the rubble pile using a combination of small brushstrokes and dry brushing techniques.
step 06
Add the ladder and other linear elements, such as the wires, using a fine brush.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · payne's gray

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use thin washes of color to create depth and atmosphere.

techniques

·dry brushing
·scumbling
·layering
·color mixing
·expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Creating muddy colors
→Failing to establish a strong focal point
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil or acrylic medium
·mineral spirits or water

optional

·retarder medium
·varnish
·easel

Use a variety of brushes to create different textures and effects. Experiment with different mediums to adjust the drying time and consistency of the paint.

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